The London-headquartered oil giant will pay costs in return for non-operated stakes in the Essaouira Offshore, Foum Assaka Offshore and Tarhazoute Offshore blocks.

Kosmos Energy chief executive Brian Maxted said that BP would “add significant value to our operations, particularly given their proven success in salt basin exploration and production".

Drilling is set to get under way in the first half of next year, he added.

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